Smokers vs. Ash trays

OK. Let me begin by saying, I am an ex- smoker. I used to use something called an "ashtray". When it needed it, I would empty it into a garbage can.

It wasn't so hard. You put the butts in the ash tray, then when it's not hot, into the garbage. repeat.

Recently we were walking down a picturesque street in a cute little town not too far from Chicago. I was enjoying all of the older buildings, and seeing what unique businesses occupied them. It was like Mayberry. Except every so often, there would be a receptacle for cigarettes. You know, those things shaped like gourds, and you put the cig in the top hole and somewhere along the way it snuffs it out. I assume somebody eventually empties these into garbage cans of some sort. These were n the "smoking areas" more than 15 feet from the business entrances I assume. Around each of them, was a huge and disgusting amount of cigarette butts on the sidewalks, and in the ornate metal grates around them.

WHY????? How hard it is to put the little thing into the hole? Why does it have to hit the ground, and remain there for someone else to deal with?

I also realize, not ALL smokers do this. I am irritated with the "sloppy smokers". Not those of you who take care of your own butts. ☺I have a sister in law who smokes. She is very curtious about disposing of her butts. It's not so hard. Honest.

While I am at it. Why throw them out the car window? There are no little magical beings that come along and zap them non existent. What do you "sloppy smokers" think happens to them? There is no difference (in my opinion) in throwing out a cigarette butt to throwing out your grabage from lunch on the road. They're equally disgusting.

Maybe I'm crabby. I just want people to take responsibility for their own trash, and use the garbage recepticles so thoughtfully placed throughout the civilized world. It's not so hard.